Due to the challenge associated with obtaining health care during bouts of unemployment, the federal government decided in 1986 that there was a need to provide protection to these unemployed people. As a result, COBRA (or the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) was passed. As long as the unemployment was not due to ‘gross misconduct’, this law allows people who voluntarily resign, are laid off or terminated the right to extend their health insurance coverage for up to a year and a half at their expense.